Outdoors
Waverley paddle steamer in ‘urgent’ cash appeal
THE team behind the Waverley paddle steamer has this lunchtime issued an “urgent” funding appeal to raise £180,000. The cash is needed to pay the boat’s winter dry dock costs and recommission the vessel for this season’s sailings. Waverley, which is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, carried more than 100,000 passengers last year as…
Read MoreTiso hosts its first mini-festival
CLIMBER Leo Houlding will visit Glasgow next week for outdoor equipment store Tiso’s first mini-festival. Houlding will read from his new book, Closer To The Edge. The company is erecting tents in its car park to welcome 100 guests to the event on 26 January. Inside the tents, Tiso is placing a cinema screen, theatre…
Read MoreRoyal marines help farmers with mental health
FORMER royal marines and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) are launching a mental health initiative this month to help farmers. The programme involves mental health first aid training for those who regularly interact professionally with farmers or crofters, such as assessors, inspectors, and consultants. Topics included in the course – which is being…
Read MoreAUSTRIA: THE POWER OF FOUR
The four-resort Skicircus – which includes the grand old ski area of Saalbach – has undergone a radical transformation, writes editor Richard Bath. Why would I ski here? “Skicircus” is basically shorthand for a conglomeration of four alpine towns – Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn – which together make up the ninth biggest ski region…
Read MoreLes Gets – TIME FOR A QUICK ONE?
If you love skiing but are time poor, Les Gets combines convenience, luxury, and snow quality, writes Richard Bath. Why would I ski here? Les Gets is almost exactly 1hr 15mins from Geneva Airport, so if three-hour transfers have lost their appeal, or if you’re on a tight schedule, then this could be the answer.…
Read MoreLoch Ness Centre to get £1.5 million upgrade
THE The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition at Drumnadrochit is undergoing a £1.5 million investment. Ronnie Bremner and designer Tony Hamsworth opened the centre and its first exhibition in 1980. Now, the Bremner clan is handing over the reins to Continuum Attractions, which runs The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. The centre is due…
Read MoreFort William Mountain Festival unveils line-up
ORGANISERS have revealed the programme for next month’s Fort William Mountain Festival. The festival – which runs on 16-19 February – includes guided activities, films, and speakers. Events are due to take place in Fort William and throughout Lochaber. Activities on offer include “mindful walking, nature writing, wild swimming, trail running, mountain biking, paddle boarding…
Read MoreShetland launches ‘Jump Start January’
SHETLANDERS could win tickets to the Six Nations rugby championships through a new “Jump Start January” programme. Individuals, groups, households, and schools are all being invited by the local council to get active for at least 15 minutes each day during four weeks early in the new year. The scheme begins on Monday, with people…
Read MoreRSABI names next chair
THE Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) has named Jimmy McLean as its new chair. McLean takes over from David Leggat, who will remain as one of the rural charity’s trustees for a further year. McLean has served a trustee for five years and has spent the past two years as vice-chair. Based in the…
Read MoreFree New Year tours of The Kelpies
THE Helix park between Falkirk and Grangemouth is running free tours of its famous horse sculptures, The Kelpies. The guided tours begin on 4 January and run until 31 January. Standing 30 metres tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, The Kelpies were unveiled in 2014 by sculpturer Andy Scott. Lesley O’Hare, cultural services…
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